Plastic artificial hand



Aug; 7, 1928.

H. E. HODGSON PLASTIC ARTIFIQIAL HAND Filed Oct. 29, 1925 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR BYv } ATTORNEY Aug. 7, 1928. 1,680,022

- H. E. HODGSON PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL HANb Filed 001:.291 192s 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY 7 Aug. '7, 1928.

H; E. HODGSON PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL HAND Filed Oct. 29, 1925 5 Sheets-Shet I INVENTOR ATTORNEY Aug. 7, 1928.

1,680,022 H. E. HODGSON PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL HAND Fi led Oct. 29, 1923 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 u v ,u

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Patented Aug. 7, 1928.

HARRIETTE E. I-IODGSON, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

PLASTIC ARTIFICIAL HAND.

Application filed October 29, 1923. Serial No. 671,489.

The invention relates to a plastic artificial hand for personal use. My aim has been to provide an artificial hand which is to a high degree serviceable, durable, and natural, which can be made cheaply, of readily obtainable materials, and can be repaired by household methods, and which is not dependent upon mechanism. A great variety of mechanical hands have been devised, but these, however ingenious, are far removed from the natural hand and aflord little satisfaction psychologically, besides being e2;- pensive and liable to derangen'ient, calling for expert attention to put them in order again.

The object in the present hand is, therefore, to simulate closely the natural hand in appearance and in feel and action when grasped, at the same time giving its mem bers strength, with flexibility, for performing useful work. The lingers can be crooked or straightened, separated or brought together in any desired natural position, and will hold their positions with firmness, and the hand as a whole, inside a glove, has the tool of a COI'HPIGSSlblG, slightly cushiony, fleshy substance over a lifelike bony struoture.

In the accompanying drawings, forming part hereof:

Fi 1 shows a bundle of pliant, tenacious strands such as I prefer to use for the core of one of the linger members;

Fig. 1" is an enlarged view of one of the individual strands of Fig. 1;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of a sheet of filling material, to be wrapped as a sheath around the core;

F is a view showing the sheath wrz'im ied around the core and sewed;

lfhgy iis a View of side reinforcing wires, joined by nail loops, which are to be applied to the assemblage of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows these wires stitched to the linger member in this stage of its construction; I

Fig. 6 shows the assemblage of Fig. 5 covered by a binding and shaping wrapping of heavy tape, consolidated by stitching;

Fig. 7 is a plan view of a sheet of compressible fabric to be wrapped around the metacarpal rear half of the finger member;

Fig. 8 shows this metacarpal. sheath applied and stitched in position on the assemblage of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a view of a thumb member, showing the strands of its metacarpal portion fanned out to form a wide winged base;

Fig. 10 is a plan view of a sheet of material to form an envelope of this base;

Fig. '11 is a view of the thumb member with the basal envelope applied;

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a foundation block;

Fig. 13 is a plan view of the block, cov cred;

Fig. 14 is a cross-section on the line 14.-14 of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a bottom plan or palm view, showing the four finger members eoresponding to the index finger, the middle linger, the ring linger, and the little linger, with their rearward metacarpal prolongations applied to the foundation block;

Fig. 16 is a top plan or back view of the same;

Fig. 17 is a bottom or palm view of the finished hand, a portion of an outer layer being torn away to indicate its presence;

Fig. 18 is a cross-section on the line 1S-18 of Fig. 19;

Fig. 19 is a back view of the finished hand;

Fig. 20 is a palm view of the hand, inside a glove, which is provided with certain attachments; and

Fig. 21 illustrates the use of a thumb mem her in connection with a natural hand which has lost its thumb.

Fig. 1 represents a core bundle 2 of numerous wire strands, for one of the finger members. The wire used is pliant rather than elastic, and I find that braided picture wire is especially advantageous for the purpose. Fig. 1 represents on an enlarged scale one of the strands of such a bundle, the strand being itself composed of numerous line interlaced tilaments. A core bundle may be prepared by taking a number of such strands of considerable length, folding them as indicated to make a bundle of the desired thick ness and length, and tying the strands together with some of the wire, at several points 3. In this way a very strong, substantial core, having an unlimited capacity for bending without breaking, and adapted to hold any position to which it is bent, with 'ferred embodiment of the considerable firmness, is produced. With these ends in view, the specific form, arrangement and material of the core may be varied. The length of the core or bundle is approximately twice that of the di -It to be made, so that it will extend through the digit and also substantially through the metacarpal portion of the artificial hand.

In the preferred manner of making one of the finger members, the bundle 2 is next indicated at 6, to'close it at the side and at the front end. V

In Fig. '4. are shown some additional stiffening or core wires 7, which it is advantageous to disposeoutside of the sheath 5. These wires are also of pliant metal, preferablyv solid rather. than braided, and are moderately heavy so as to lend a substantial amount of st ffness.

They are applied at the two sides of the'wrapped core, so that the artifieialfinger will bend considerably less readily in lateral directions than it will in the sense in which the joints of a natural finger operate, fThe number of these wires may be v aried,but Ihave shown two at each side, fastened to the felt by heavy stitching 8.

The stiffening-wires at the two sides are continuously joined with each other by curved loops 9at the front. These loops projecting somewhat, and flattened on top, or at top and bottom, simulate a finger nail. In some cases the nail loop might not be continuous with the side stiffeners, but the construction shown is especially advantageous for manifest reasons.

The rear ends of some of the wires, specifically the. wires 7 are caused to project for anchoring purposes. V

The next step in constructing the preinvention is to enclose the assemblage of Fig. in a heavy binding wrapping 10 of strong tape, wound spirally about the member. throughout its length until the desired thickness and form are attained. This tape is wound very tightly in several thicknesses, and the resulting wrapping is sewed along the sides, at 11,

so ast'o unite the turns of the tape with each other, to prevent slipping and to consolidate the whole mass. By varying the number of turns of tape at different regions along the member, a shaping of the artificial digit is obtained, indicated in the right-hand half of Fig. 6. .In some instances the filling wrapping beneath the tapemay be differently arranged, or even dispensed with, in which latter case spiral taping might form the entire filling and binding; but the combination of the two kinds of covering, with the core stands and stiffeners, is the most advantageous for wearing and tactile qualities. The covering sought'is one both firm and compressible, sufiicicntly elastic to be shape-retaining, and well adapted for bending, besides being generally strong and durable for the purposes of an artificial hand of the kind contemplated.

The finger member may now be completed by wrapping a sheet of felt or the like 12 (Fig. 7) about its rear or metacarpal half, more or less, giving this portion in ditional body. This wrapping or sheath is marked 13, and the stitching which secures it is indicated at 14. It might extend the full length of the finger member, but it is sufiicient and somewhat preferable to restrict it to the metacarpal extension.

In a finger member constructed substantially in the foregoing manner the core and the covering, or coverings, cooperate. to secure a flexible, yet stiff and firm, structure, through which elfort can be exerted, and which can be bent and used indefinitely without injury to either the core or the wrapping's. ()f such members a hand can be made that is natural in its poses and to the touch, and possesses a valuable suggestion of life.

The four linger members proper 15 for the hand are made in the manner described, in proper lengths and of proper contours. The thumb finger member 15 (Figs. 9, 10, 11) is of similar construction, but the spiral wrapping 10 and the filling wrapping inside are preferably not extended rearward to cover the part of the core strands 2 which are incorporated in the metacarpus. The side stiffening wires which are continuous at the front with the nail loop also need not extend rearward beyond the digit portion of the member. The rear part 2 of the core bundle of the thumb, which should be made heavier than the core of the other finger members, is fanned out as seen in Fig. 9, making a wide, winged base forming a sort of mat of tendons to be applied to the side, and overlapping the top and bottom, of the meta carpus which is produced by uniting the metacarpal portions of the linger members upon a suitable block, as will be described.

A sheet of felt 1.6 or the like (Fig. 16) is folded and sewed to form an envelope 16" for the wires of the basal extension of the thumb member.

The foundation block 17 illustrated in Fig. 12 comprises carpal and metacarpal portions 18 and 19, the carpal or wristportion eontaining a screw socket 20 so that the hand may be screwed on and off a screw projection on the artificial arm or stump. An eye 21 may also be provided on this part. for engagement by a locking device, such as the hasp hook of my Patent No. 1,468,861 of A, stay tape 37 sewed at its forward end at a point near the end of themiddle finger of the glove, and passing rearward up the palm side of the finger, beneath keeper positively sustained in a crooked position for lifting, carrying, etc. A similar device may be applied to other of the fingers if desired. The tape is shown provided with eyes 39 at its rear end and at one or more points along its length, to cooperate with a hook 40 on a band 41 secured to the rear end ofthe glove.

A thumb substantially as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 11 is also adapted to be used as a separate article by persons who have lost a thumb from the natural hand. For such purposes the artificial thumb will be slipped into the thumb of a glove 42 or other stall. or holder worn or strapped upon the hand. The glove illustrated in Fig. 21 hasv had its four fingers cut out to leave the real fingers free. By suitably placing a rubber strap or straps about the thumb and the hand or one'or more of the natural fingers, it becomes possible to hold a pencil,

pen or brush between the natural forefinger and the artificial thumb, or to hold and use other implements. A rubber band 43 is illustrated in this connection, but it will be understood that the arrangement of clastics is a matter for the choice of the user. The winged base of. the thumb held about the side of the mutilated metacarpus within the enclosure of the glove affords firm support for the artificial member; The thumb thus applied can be used in playing the piano and in fact for practically any operation in which a natural thumb would be employed. A pencil," pen, or the like to be held in this way may advantageously be wrapped with rubber bands above and below the point of holding, to form enlargements, and also if desired to form a grip where held, to guard against slipping.

\Vhile I have described the preferred form of the invention in detail, it will be understood that I do not limit myself to the precise details, and that the principle andthe essential features may be embodied with various changes, omissions, substitutions and additions.

WVhat I claim as new is:

1. An artificial hand of the kind de scribed, comprising a foundation block ex tending in the metacarpal region, and strong and flexible finger members comprising tenacious, pliant cores and strong and com pressible fabric wrappings firmly combined,

said finger members having metacarpal extensions applied along the block and bound thereto in an artificial metacarpus.

2.'An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block extending in the metacarpal region, and strong and flexible finger members comprising tenacious, pliant cores and strong and compressible fabric wrappings firmly combined, said finger members having inelacarpal-extensions applied along the block and bound thereto in an artificial metacarpus, two of the finger members being applied along the top of the block and two others being applied along the sides thereof.

An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block ex-- tending in the metacarpal region, and strong and flexible finger members comprising tenacious, pliant cores and strong and compressible fabric wrappings firmly combined, said finger members having metacarpal extensions applied along the block and secured thereto. together with a binding wrapping about the finger members and the block.

4. An artificial hand of the kind described having elongated strong, flexible, compressible finger members composed of cores and coverings, the rear halves more or less of said finger members being constituted as specified and lying side by side and being united in an artificial metacarpus.

5. An artificial hand of the kind described having elongated strong, flexible. compressible finger members composed of cores and coverings; the rear halves more or less of said finger members being constituted as specified and lying side by side and being united in an artificial metacarpus, together with an artificial thumb of like construction secured to the side of such metacarpus.

6. An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block, elongated finger members comprising pliant, tenacious strands and wra pings, the rear halves more or less of t e finger members being applied along the block to form an artificial metacarpus, and means securing the rear ends of certain of the strands of the respective finger members to the block.

7 An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block, elongated finger members comprising pliant, tenacious strands and wrappings, the rear halves more or less of the finger members being applied along the block to form an artificial metacarpus, means securing the wrappings of the finger members to the block, and means securing the rear ends of certain of the strands of the respective finger members to the block.

8. An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a covered foundation block, elongated finger members comprising pliant, tenacious strands and wrappings, the rear, halves more or less of the finger members being applied along the block to form an artificial metacarpus, stitching uniting the wrappings of the finger members to the block, other stitching securing the rear ends.

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of certain of the strands to the block cover ing, and a binding Wrapping about the linger members and the block.

An artificial hand ot the hind described, comprising a toundation block having a covering, elongziited finger members coniprising pliant, tenacious core strands and Wrappings, the rear halves more or less of the linger members being constituted as specified and being applied to the block to form an artificial metacarpus, and stitching securing the finger members to the hloclr and. its covering.

it). An. artificial hand of the kind dcscribed, comprising a foundation block, tour elongated finger members composed of core strands and Wrappings substantially as described, the rear halves more or less of which are applied along the bloclr to form an artificial metacarpus, With a thumb member of similar construction applied at one side of such metacarpus, and the Whole firmly united, substantially as described.

11. An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block, tour elongated linger members composed oi? core strands and Wrappings substantially as described, the rear halves more or less 01'' which are app-lied along the block to form an artificial metacarpus, with a thumb member of similar construction applied at one side of such metacarpus, and the Whole firmly united, said thumb member having basal Wings to overlap the metacarpal body at top and bottoms, substantially as de scribed.

12. An artificial hand of the kind described, comprising a foundation block, tour elongated linger members composed of core strands and Wrappings substantially as described, the rear halvxs more or less of which are applied along the block to "form an artificial metacarpus, with a thumb member of similar construction applied at one side of such metacarpus, and the Whole firmly united, said thumb member having a basal envelope :l ormed With Wings to overlap the n'ietacarpal body at top and bottom and the rear portions oi its core strands being fanned out in said envelope, substantially described.

A construction for digit members of an. artificial hand of the character d ascribed, com n-ising a bundle of pliant, tenacious strands forming a core, in combination with a sheath formed by a sheet of felt Wrapped about the core, and a spiral wrapping of strong tape Wound about the sheath.

14;. A construction for digit members ol an. artificial hand of the character described, comprising a pliant, tenacious core, a ilexible, compressible covering, and extra stiffening Wires incorporated in the two sides of the artificial. digit.

15. A construction for digit members of an artificial hand. of the character described, comprising a pliant, tenacious core, a flexi ble, eoi'upre 'Jle covering, and extra stillieir ing Wires incm'porated in the two sides oi. the artificial digit, said side wires being coniiimious with a nail loop or loops at the end.

ot the digit.

1.6. An artificial digit nuin'lber having a core made of a bundle ol pliant Wires, a flexible, compresr-iible covering, and extra. sl'itiiniing Wires incorpru'aled in the two sides of the digit member.

17. An artificial digit member having a core made ot a bundle ot pliant wires, a lien" ible, compressible covering, and. extra stillioning wires incorporated in the two sides oi the digit member and joined at the front by a loop or loops.

18. An artificial digit member, comprising a .core con'iprising a bundle of pliant, tena eious strands, 'labric Wrappings, and side stii'lening wires secured to the Wrappings.

19. Au artificial digit meu'lber, comprising a pliant, tenacious core, a filling about the core, a binding Wrapping about the filling, and side stilliening wires incorporated. between. the filling and binding wrappiugs.

20. An artificial digit member, couiiprising a lmndle of pliant, tenacious strands, a sheath "i\"lti )",t)lT g about said bundle, a spiral Wrapping about the sheath wrapping, and side stiliening wires lying between the wrappings.

21. An artificial digit member, comprising a pliant, tenacious core, a filling Wrapping about the core, stiffening Wires strongly served to the filling Wrapping at the tire sides, and a binding Wrapping over the tilling Wrapping.

22. An artificial, flexible digit member,

characterii'zed by side stiliiening wires joined at the front by a nail loop.

23. An artificial hand out the kind described, comprising elongated linger members providing both digit and metacarpal portions, each member termed. out a pliant, tenacious core, a llexihle, compressible covering, and. stiilening side \vires incorporated in the meu'iber and extending lengthwise oi the artificial. i'neti'icarpus. V I

24.131'1 artificial hand of the kind. described, comprising elongated finger members providing both digit and metacarpal portions, each member formed of a pliant, tenacious core, a flexible, compressible covering, stiiiening side Wires incorporated in the member and extending lengthwise oi the artificial metacarpus, a block providing a foundation :tor the metacarpus, and means anchoring said stilfcning Wires to the tonndation.

25. In an artificial hand, elongated. flexible finger members having their rear halves, more or less, lying side by side and incorporated together in an artificial metacarpus,

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the said finger members comprising pliant, tenacious cores, filling and binding Wrappings, and additional compressible sheaths about the metacarpal portions of the several finger members.

a compressible covering, and additional side stiffening wires, substantially as described. 27. In an artificial digit, the nail loop formed oat wires-incorporated in. opposite sides of the digit andconnected by a. projecting curved; loop at the end of the digit,

substzmtially as. herein. described.

28- In. an artificial digit, a simulated nail formed: of a loop formed of wire members embracing the end of the digit and connected by a curved flattened loop, substantially as described.

29. In a plastic artificial hand of the kind described, having a metacarpus and flexible digit members, the stay loop 34 connecting the thumb digit with the mctacarpns.

30. An artificial thumb comprising a bundle of pliant, tenacious strands, a covering. and a flared base.

31. An artificial thumb comprising a, bundle of pliant, tenacious strands which are fanned out at the rear to form a flared mat. a spirally wound covering, and an envelope for the flared basalv part of the thumb.

HARRIETT E. HODGSON. 

